subject: Original, Reproduction or Replacement parts for your Corvette? [print this page] Original, Reproduction or Replacement parts for your Corvette?
The best choice for your Corvette parts and accessories may not be as clear as it seems when you're purchasing parts based on their authenticity. Before you make a decision that ultimately affects the value, appearance, performance, repair or restoration of your Corvette, know the cold-hard facts.
GM Parts: Parts produced by GM are the most difficult to define, and fall into 2 general categories. The first is the exact GM replacement part for your Corvette. The fit, finish and application are just like the parts originally installed on your car. Most often, newer applications will be correct for functionality and judging, so you can purchase these parts with confidence.
The second group is GM's "if it fits it's correct" category. A good example to define this type of part involves the gas door for 1963-1966 Corvettes. Originally, each year's application was a very distinctive gas door. As GM's supplies or tools diminished, however, they ultimately sold only the 1966 door, calling it a 1963-66 application. It would fit and work, but would only be factory correct for a 1966 Corvette.
Reproduction: These parts have been thoroughly researched and tested as exact replicas of the original for superior fit and quality design. Sometimes less expensive than original GM parts, reproduction most often signifies a highly reliable, accurate product for your high quality restoration project, or daily driver. Reproduction parts will most often be more correct in fit and finish than "if it fits it's correct" parts. That's probably the reason it was reproduced in the first place.
Replacement: Neither GM nor reproduction, replacement parts (or workable replacements) won't win you any awards, but will keep your Corvette in top cruising form. Unlike reproduction, replacement parts aren't molded exactly like the original. Different materials, design, finish, etc. make replacement parts the most inexpensive of the lot, yet the most suitable for the everyday driver.
In some cases, original parts may no longer be available, leaving you to choose between reproduction or replacement parts. Ultimately, the decision is yours to purchase the level of authenticity that best showcases your Corvette passion.
